If you asked what we would want to take with us in a stranded situation, we'd probably say a filled iPod, food, or perhaps a back catalog of Playboy (for the articles, of course). A more practical choice, however, would be the Gerber Bear Grylls Survival Knife ($60). Designed by Gerber and the Grylled one himself, this unique wilderness tool features a half-serrated high carbon blade, a stainless steel pommel at the base of the handle, an emergency whistle in the lanyard cord, and a host of goodies in the included sheath, like a fire starter, diamond sharpener, and Bear's Priorities of Survival pocket guide for those times when you need some Yoda-like wisdom. [Thanks, Andrew]

Get maximum utility with a minimal imprint on the environment with Wenger EvoWood Knives ($65-$130). Just like regular Swiss Army Knives, these feature a variety of tools, from seven implements in the EvoWood 11 to a full eleven — including pliers with a wire crimper and cutter — on the EvoWood S557, but more importantly feature the company's new concave/convex Evolution handle design, created from sustainable top-quality Swiss Walnut that would other wise be waste material, making these some of the world's greenest multi-tools.

It's definitely one of the more expensive multi-tools we've written about, but it's also one of the most hardcore. The Surefire Delta Folding Survival Knife ($435) features a Crucible CPM S30V steel blade and titanium frame for maximum performance in hand-to-hand combat, but also includes a cutter/crimper, flathead screwdriver, a slotted wrench, a cord/harness cutter, window breaker, and reversible pocket clip for completing less, ummm, violent tasks.

Vests are a viable alternative to bulky coats in cool weather. That makes the Original Penguin Color Blocked Down Vest a great addition to any winter wardrobe. Its goose down filling and understated style make it ideal for layering, and the functional hidden hood and lined pockets will keep you warm, no matter what the occasion.

If you're stuck carrying just one knife on your next outdoorsy adventure, the Gerber Epic Knife ($30) wouldn't be a bad choice. This versatile chrome-molybdenum stainless steel blade features a textured nylon handle, a serrated edge, a blunt tip, an integrated bottle opener, and a locking sheath that also sports a reversible pocket clip so you can carry it on right or left side — which is really handy if your other hand is busy holding a beer or fighting off a hungry grizzly bear.

Like the utility of Swiss Army knives but tired of their bland solid-color handle designs? Take a look at the Victorinox Swiss Army Silver Tech Huntsman Knife ($45). It packs tools including multiple blades and screwdrivers, a corkscrew, can opener, bottle opener, wire stripper, key ring, tweezers, reamer, and even a toothpick, all inside a stylish silver case that looks more at home next to an aluminum laptop than a camo-colored gun sling.